Now, following six months of questions, turmoil and confusion regarding online sports betting in the state, the West Virginia industry appears back on track.

DraftKings gets in the game in time for kickoff

The timing of DraftKings’ entry falls perfectly in line with opening kickoffs for the NFL and college football seasons. Additionally, according to a release, West Virginia “marks a pivotal next step for national expansion” of the DraftKings Sportsbook product.

“We are thrilled to continue our DraftKings Sportsbook expansion by getting our product into the hands of West Virginians,” Matt Kalish, co-founder and chief revenue officer at DraftKings, said in a release.

“We look forward to serving our fans with the top-rated DraftKings Sportsbook app, that features numerous consumer protection features and strives to provide the broadest selection of betting options with the best odds and rewards in West Virginia. DraftKings knows the American sports fan better than anyone, and we look forward to proving that in the Mountain State.”

DraftKings introduced its online sportsbook just ahead of the season opener for West Virginia Mountaineers, which hosts James Madison on Saturday. It is located across the state border in Harrisonburg, VA.

Sports betting with DraftKings Sportsbook

Interestingly, DraftKings became the first online sportsbook in West Virginia to complete the testing phase. While it did not break the mobile mold in the state, it still enters the markets at a prime time. DraftKings offers its product via desktop computer and Android and iOS mobile devices.

Of course, DraftKings offers lines in the major sports, from professional and college football to MLB and NBA. Add to that more niche sports such as cricket and darts. Betting options abound at DraftKings, and not only in sports offered.

The operator features betting formats ranging from moneylines and over/under totals to parlays and futures. To boot, DraftKings offers in-play wagering, a popular option for bettors across the country, and prop bets.

DraftKings brings sparkling online sports betting pedigree to WV

DraftKings’ land-based partner in West Virginia has already proven to be a winner. Hollywood Casino, after all, has remained the industry leader in terms of handle and revenue since going live in December 2018.

Now the online operator looks to add to the brick-and-mortar’s success. DraftKings has already excelled elsewhere.

It became the first online sportsbook introduced in New Jersey in fall 2018. Over the first six months, DraftKings dominated the industry, totaling $37.3 million in revenue that reflected a 53.9% market share. Since January, FanDuel has taken over as the NJ sports betting leader, although DraftKings has stayed near the top.

Certainly, DraftKings expects to establish itself as a West Virginia leader quickly. So does Penn National.

John Finamore, senior vice president of regional operators at Penn National, said as much in the release:

“We are pleased to help welcome DraftKings to West Virginia. They provide a quality online sports betting experience that will benefit their customers and the state.”

Grant Lucas is a longtime sports writer who has covered the high school, collegiate and professional levels. A graduate of Linfield College in McMinnville, Grant has covered games and written features and columns surrounding prep sports, Linfield and Oregon State athletics, the Portland Trail Blazers and golf throughout his career.